Well, the bigger question is, is there even a gay Alaska cruise?  Yes, lots! 

There’s an Aquafest 7-night “gay explorer” cruise, which seems to take the Inside Pass, probably one of the best routes.  How exactly a “gay” explorer is different from an explorer is anyone’s guess though.

Coda offers a gay group cruise from Vancouver to Seward, and it checks out some of the more interesting places like Sitka and the Hubbard Glacier.  Apart from this, there are a few other gay group cruises you can take.

Now that we’ve established that you do in fact have the choice of taking a gay Alaska cruise, should you?  Well, that depends on what you’re into.  I would say that the Alaska cruises are for the more mature, serious couples, as well as the ones that are interested in wildlife, scenery and history over partying, beaches and drunken misadventures.

So what can you expect to see on an Alaskan cruise?  The scenery is perhaps the first thing that comes to mind, and you’ll see some great rocky shores meeting some angry waves, making their way into beautiful 10,000 ft snow-topped mountain peaks.  Little islands and deep bays dot the shoreline, and if you hit Alaska in summer, which you should, you’ll see very unique flora and fauna.  The entire region from Vancouver all the way up is beautiful, but if and when you make it to certain regions, there are places where you can find such unique oddities as a flower that blooms for just one day in the year.  Imagine giving your lover that flower (can you say get… some?).

When you finally tear your gaze away and glance back at the ocean, you’ll probably do a double take, because you’ll see killer whales, beluga whales, humpback whales and other amazing creatures.  Bald eagles are in great numbers, and they’ll be circling over grizzly and black bears, which dot the slopes of the fjords.  If you get lucky, you may even see them fishing for salmon (you could do the same on a day excursion).  If you get to Anchorage, you’ll find that the city has a sizable population of moose.

There’s also the history.  Nestled within Canada and belonging previously to Russia, Alaska has a very diverse population, and some unique settlements of Norwegian people where the culture has remained intact, others of Russian people, and others of native peoples.

One of my favorite things about the 49th state is the northern lights, or Aurora Borealis.  There is nothing like this on earth.  There’s a catch though.  They’re most easily seen during the winter, and you have to be far enough north.  You can get far enough with most cruises, but the chances of seeing them during the summer are lower.

All these reasons are plenty, but as you can see, Alaska is not exactly the partygoer’s hotspot.  It’s closer to being the opposite, a serene, zen experience for the open-minded, but if not this year, everyone should check it out at some point.

Hi there!  The following is one of a multi-part series on 2009 gay cruises.  The purpose of each page is to give you useful information about the cruise at a glance.  Please feel free to discuss these cruises in the forums!  -Ed.

Cruise: 7 Night Alaska Gay Explorer Cruise

When: September 25^th to October 2^nd, 2009

Company/Offered Through: Aquafest

Type: All-Gay

Departs: Seattle, Washington

Visits: Alaska

Read the full story

Hi there!  The following is one of a multi-part series on 2009 gay cruises.  The purpose of each page is to give you useful information about the cruise at a glance.  Please feel free to discuss these cruises in the forums!  -Ed.

Cruise: Voyage of the Glaciers

When: August 14^th to 21^st, 2009

Company/Offered Through: Pied Piper

Type:  Gay Group Cruise

Departs: Seward, Alaska

Visits: Juneau, Skaway, Icy Strait , Ketchikan, Vancouver

Basic Itinerary:

Read the full story

Hi there!  The following is one of a multi-part series on 2009 gay cruises.  The purpose of each page is to give you useful information about the cruise at a glance.  Please feel free to discuss these cruises in the forums!  -Ed.

Cruise: Seattle to Alaska

When: July 11^th to 18^th, 2009

Company/Offered Through: R Family Vacations

Type: All-Gay and Gay-Friendly

Departs: Seattle, WA

Visits: Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Prince Rupert, Seattle

Basic Itinerary:

Pricing Info:

Travel and Ship Info:

Seattle to Alaska – July 11-18, 2009

A week of community, learning, laughter and love is all in store as we celebrate our freedom and pride aboard the Norwegian Star. Don’t miss the boat, call today and reserve your family’s staterooms.

The gay-cation of a lifetime

We start our vacation in the gay friendly port town of Seattle, WA. Then we’re ready to explore the beautiful state of Alaska.  Alaska is the largest area in the United States, yet the third smallest in population, so you can imagine how rugged and natural it is. There is a multitude of amazing excursions, plan ahead & get the most out of your family’s vacations!

Truly, this will be the most memorable vacation for your friends and family. Call our offices today & book your family’s staterooms.

North to Alaska during the peak of summer

R Family Vacations is heading West to explore the glacier-carved valleys, rugged coastlines, spectacular ice towers and amazing wildlife. Our 7-day adventure departs from the hip city of Seattle on July 11^th. You’ll sail along Alaska’s exquisite Inside Passage stopping in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Prince Rupert. Get ready to experience the best entertainment and the most inclusive gay cruise ever offered!

Luxurious and spacious staterooms

Exquisite suites and staterooms have been meticulously designed for spaciousness, style, adaptability and comfort. From the luxurious surroundings of our three-room Owner’s Suites to the charm and value of our Inside Staterooms, no detail has been overlooked. Each stateroom has cherry-wood detailing, TV, refrigerator, safe, duvet and an oversized bathroom with shower. Guests can choose staterooms or suites with a private balcony, floor-to-ceiling windows or picture windows. Many of the staterooms are interconnected so families can enjoy togetherness as well as privacy.

Bring the friends & family — many of our rooms sleep up to 4 people

Most of our rooms can easily accommodate 3rd & 4th passengers and our “family suites” sleep up to 9!

Dining aboard the Star

Aboard the Norwegian Star you’ll discover NCL has rolled out the red carpet for its guests. This is Freestyle Cruising™ at its finest. NCL has created a dining atmosphere that’s as free-spirited as the islands and cities we will visit. Not only will you be able to select from 13 dining options with cuisine choices from all around the world, you’ll also have the freedom to dine whenever you want. You are welcome to come early and stay late because the Star’s dining hours extend from 5:30 ’til midnight. For casual dining, the Norwegian Star features 24-hour room service plus two cafes that offer savory choices ’round the clock.

More choices then any other cruise line:

Norwegian Star’s roster of 13 dining options has a very international flavor. No other cruise line has more dining choices. From the French elegance of Le Bistro to the exotic Asian allure of Ginza, the Star will treat you to a world of culinary options. The Star features Cagney’s Steak House. With generous steak and filet portions fit for king-sized appetites and delicious seafood, lamb and chicken dishes, this restaurant is bound to be a big hit.

This is your inside pass to the newest, most tempting selection of dining options on the high seas:

The SoHo Room [Fusion Cuisine]

This high-end Pacific Rim restaurant features a fusion of Californian and Polynesian cuisines. Coriander, Garlic and Ginger Roasted Medallions of Monkfish, and a sizzling Szechwan Encrusted Beef Tenderloin Steak that’s “to die for” are just a few of the delights that await you in SoHo. Or for something truly extravagant, pick your own lobster from the cold water lobster tank. Of special note: The SoHo Room features 3 exclusive private dining rooms — perfect for intimate gatherings.

Ginza [Japanese/Chinese/Thai Restaurant Complex]

Featuring a sushi bar, teppanyaki room and a Thai/Japanese/Chinese restaurant. Servers dressed in elaborate garb are happy to help you select from such specialty items as Sukiyaki, Peking Duck, or tempting steak and seafood combos. Chilled or warm sake served in a traditional wooden box is a popular accompaniment to any selection. À la carte menu pricing.

Le Bistro* [French/Mediterranean Restaurant]

While enjoying an intimate meal at Le Bistro, one could easily imagine sitting in a charming café on the Champs Èlysées. But the menu also reflects many delicious Mediterranean influences, it’s clever mix of traditional specialties and inventive signature dishes has made Le Bistro “le favorite.” Enjoy the best seat in the house as a Maître d’ prepares a traditional Caesar salad tableside. Then get ready to say, “C’est bon!”

Aqua [Contemporary Cuisine]

With it’s contemporary venue and menu, Aqua will clearly delight patrons. Aside from the regular menu, a variety of exclusive President’s Menu selections can always be found. The chefs have also teamed up with Cooking Light® magazine to offer a variety of dishes which are low in cholesterol, salt, and fat yet high in flavor. The ever-changing selections include Baked Flounder with Thai Scallion Sauce, Sauteed Veal Scallopini topped with Crabmeat and Sauce Bearnaise, and a Red Currant Glazed Pork Chop served with Root Vegetables.

Versailles [Traditional Cuisine]

This elegant restaurant is reminiscent of an ornate French château, where master chefs prepare a sumptuous feast. Every artfully presented course is a delight to the senses. The traditional yet highly sophisticated dishes served include a wonderful Broiled Caribbean Lobster Tail, Duck â l’Orange, and Filet of Beef Wellington. An extensive wine selection makes it easy to choose the perfect complement to your meal.

Market Café

Featuring prepared-to-order omelets, waffles, fruit, soups, ethnic specialties, and pasta.

Blue Lagoon 24-hour Food Court

No midnight craving is left unsatisfied at the Blue Lagoon. This versatile, 24-hour eatery offers everything from hamburgers to fast-wok dishes, “food-court style” in a friendly atmosphere perfect for families and friends alike.

La Trattoria [Italian Cuisine]

Traditional, tasty and molto Italiano, this casual trattoria serves up perfect pasta with a choice of seven savory sauces. There are crispy fresh salads, authentic Italian desserts, a fine wine list and steaming espresso drinks to complement every meal.

Endless Summer Restaurant

A Tex-Mex-themed restaurant arranged around the central atrium incorporating a performance stage and large movie screen.

Cagney’s Steak House *

A 1930s-style steakhouse where perfectly grilled steaks are served. Aged, prime beef cooked at a searing temperature results in some of the most succulent steaks and prime rib meals anywhere. Choose from a menu of steaks, filet mignon, prime rib, lamb, fresh seafood and grilled chicken dishes.

* Specialty Restaurant, w/ cover charge

2009 will be even more amazing!

We’re busy inviting this year’s list of star-studded entertainment. R Family Vacations offers the very best entertainment at sea from pop-stars to Broadway stars. Some big names and some you’ll meet for the first time and never forget! Register with us today to receive our entertainment updates!

Our past entertainers have included

1. Melissa Etheridge
2. Cyndi Lauper
3. Gloria Estefan
4. Kathy Griffin
5. Erasure
6. Sheena Easton
7. Sharon Gless
8. Mario Cantone
9. Jessica Kirson
10. Julie Goldman
11. Judy Gold
12. John Tartaglia
13. EseraTuaolo
14. Poppy Champlain
15. Celebrity Chef Art Smith
16. The Kinsey Sicks
17. Seth Rudetsky
18. Suzanne Buirgy
19. Liz Calloway
20. Gavin Creel
21. Orfeh
22. Michael Arden
23. Andrea McArdle

Our onboard entertainment includes themed parties, dance parties, cabaret shows and much more!

A true original: Everyone is welcome!

R Family Vacations is the first gay travel company that caters to both the gay and lesbian community. We are also the first to truly design vacations for gay and lesbian travelers and their families (kids included!) and friends. Experience the magic when everyone comes together for the most inclusive cruise ever offered.

We offer something for everyone on-board

We design all our programs to offer the widest range possible of activities and entertainment for a broad audience. In our everyday lives, most of us have more than just gay friends or lesbian friends, so why can’t we travel together, too? A gay man and a lesbian founded the company. Kelli and Gregg are committed to creating vacations that appeal to both communities. On our cruises, the Family Equaility Council creates workshops and seminars that were developed for gay men, others for gay women, and some for both.

Single travelers are welcome. We offer the opportunity to meet other single travelers with our singles mixers, dinners, and special events. We offer events for Bears and events for our little ones! We can’t wait to welcome you aboard R Family.

We promise world class entertainment!

The entertainment on an R Family Vacation is unlike any you’ve ever seen on another gay cruise or mainstream vacation. You’ll enjoy some of the funniest comedians, some gay, some not; and some of the best music ever heard at sea. The world-class talent brought onboard just for R Family ranges from current Broadway stars to soft rock and pop musicians.

R Family Vacations is the first GLBT travel company to welcome children aboard its cruises. For the teenagers, we have created an incredible week of programming, with entertainment designed just for them. For children with gay parents, an R Family Vacation is a unique opportunity to meet families who are just like theirs… Hundreds of them! Never again will these kids feel like “they are the only ones.”

R Vacations are like the best family reunion you can imagine

R Family Vacations are also perfect for extended families and friends. Most of our gay and lesbian guests bring parents, cousins, siblings, and friends. This is a unique opportunity to share a vacation where everyone is truly welcome.

Many gay events have a heavy emphasis on partying.  We realize that not everyone in the community enjoys all night parties and R Family Vacations is a great alternative to many of the existing travel options. Our cruises are a blast but also a very safe and welcoming environment for our entire community and their friends and families.

A world of entertainment

Treat yourself to a massage, take in a show, enjoy an intimate meal with your loved one

Choose from ten distinctive restaurants, enjoy a spa treatment, play a few hands of blackjack in the Casino, curl up with a book on the sun deck or enjoy a movie in our very own cinema.

The Norwegian Star is home to a 1,100 seat theatre where you can enjoy some of the best entertainment to be found at sea – brought aboard just for R Family. The entertainment is designed for adults although kids are welcome to all of the early shows. You can dance the night away in the Spinnaker lounge or enjoy some of your favorite songs at our nightly piano bars.

The Norwegian Star is home to an unequalled artwork collection with originals by Renoir, Van Gogh, Matisse and Monet. You can also attend one of the numerous art auctions during the cruise.

Friends make the world a warmer place

Fun exciting activities & new friendships await your teens

Our cruises are life-changing experiences for the more than 100 teens that travel with us each cruise and many new friendships were formed. For teenagers ages 13-17, there’s plenty to do, from sports like volleyball and basketball to other activities like pool parties, disco and a video arcade. Teens are free to come and go as they please and Teen Club.

This cruise is a great place for teens to meet other teens while enjoying everything this ship has to offer, including the sports deck, entertainment, restaurants, and Internet connection.

Everyday is kids’ day!

Pools, free ice cream, & their own kid-sized theater.Need we say more?

For youngsters, the Star offers exceptional programming with their “Kids’ Crew” for ages 2-12. Kids are divided into three age groups as “Junior Sailors,” “First Mates,” and “Navigators.” There are sing-a-longs, arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor games, magic shows, and pajama parties.

The Kids’ Crew offers activities at night, too! Parents can feed their kids an early dinner at the fantastic buffet and then enjoy a romantic dinner alone or a show while their kids have a blast with new friends.

The Star features one of the largest children’s facilities at sea, a 5,500-square-foot, fun-filled area outfitted with computers, craft tables, and a playground. At the Splash Down water-play area, kids can swirl down slides and splash in wading pools.

1. R Family Vacations suggests you include some or all of the following:
2. Short and long-sleeved shirts
3. Bathing suit
4. Cotton pants & shorts
5. Two to three different weight sweaters
6. Sweatshirts or outfits of fleece
7. Lightweight thermal underwear
8. Cotton slacks (khakis, jeans, corduroy)
9. Gloves
10. Warm hat
11. Warm jacket
12. Lightweight rain gear
13. Waterproof windbreaker
14. Travel alarm clock
15. A small backpack; a waterproof bag to hold camera and/or binoculars
16. 1 pair of binoculars
17. Camera, lenses and plenty of film, extra memory cards, batteries
18. Zip-lock plastic bags as added protection for camera, film, etc.
19. Comfortable walking shoes with rubber soles and good support (for on board ship and shore excursions). Most people find tennis shoes or sneakers suitable.
20. Waterproof boots with a strong non-skid sole or good pair of water repellent hiking boots
21. Prescription medicines. If certain medicines are part of your daily health regimen and are vital to your health, make sure you bring an adequate supply for the duration of your trip. Your medications should be packed in your carry-on luggage.
22. Lotions / crèmes for sun and wind protection
23. White noise machine

http://www.rfamilyvacations.com/cruise_alaska/shiptour.php#

Meet the Norwegian Star

Norwegian Cruise Line

The perfect ships for R Family Vacations!

With Norwegian Cruise Line, Freestyle Cruising® is all about flexibility and freedom. At R Family Vacations, everyone is welcome: Gay, Straight, Old, Young (kids included!). NCL’s style of cruising is a perfect fit for the R Family Vacations guest.

Freedom from stress.Freedom from schedules.Freedom to create your own vacation.On an R Family Cruise aboard the NCL Star, you can eat where you want, when you want, with whom you want. And with up to 13 different restaurants and dining rooms on board, you can certainly eat whatever you want. You can also dress the way you want (we’ve never had a dress code) and, at the end of your cruise, get off the ship whenever and however work best for you.

Because NCL has the youngest fleet on the planet, you also know you’re getting the coolest, hippest, most innovative vacation on water. R Family Vacations offers the best entertainment at sea and programming and activities for everyone. There are activities galore both on board and on shore. And, with the widest array of accommodations, you’re sure to find the perfect combination of staterooms no matter how many people are cruising with you.

On NCL, you’re always free to whatever. With R Family Vacations, everyone is welcome so bring your friends and family and get ready for the best vacation ever!

Freestyle accommodations. NCL has the widest choice of accommodations afloat, the largest suites, extraordinary villas and the most interconnecting suites and staterooms to fit groups of any size, so whether it’s two for a romantic getaway or 20 for a family reunion, you’ll find the stateroom or suite that’s perfect for you. Choose from one of our “family suites” where you can fit up to nine guests for one price.

Freestyle dining. Dining on an NCL cruise is unlike any other cruise line. We have no set dining times, dining partners or dress codes — plus up to 13 restaurants and dining rooms on board every ship for cuisine to suit your every mood. On NCL, you’re always free to eat whatever you want, whenever you want and with whomever you want.

Freestyle fun. NCL has the youngest fleet on the planet, which means you’ll get the most innovative experience on water. Exciting nightlife, tons of family fun, shore excursions for everyone and much more.There are so many things to do both on board and on shore that boredom isn’t even an option.

Hi there!  The following is one of a multi-part series on 2009 gay cruises.  The purpose of each page is to give you useful information about the cruise at a glance.  Please feel free to discuss these cruises in the forums!  -Ed.

Cruise: Alaska Glaciers and Bays

When: September 20^th to 27^th, 2009

Company/Offered Through: Olivia

Type: All-Lesbians

Departs: Vancouver

Visits: Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Vancouver

Basic Itinerary:

Read the full story

If you’re not ready for an all-gay cruise, or there’s something you don’t like about them, the next best thing is gay group cruises. Gay group cruises are basically an organized group of gays on what would be an otherwise straight cruise. They’re treated like any other group, such as a company or other arranged group. It’s like a cruise within a cruise!

The gay group on a large ship might be between 1 and 10% of all the passengers. The experience is somewhere in between being on a mainstream cruise and an all-gay cruise, as you might expect. Meetings and activities will be arranged, which will make it easy to find friends and dining buddies, but gay activities will sometimes be in closed quarters, so as not to offend other passengers. There are some special events though, parties, bar events or access to certain areas or lounges that might otherwise not be available. With a smaller group, it’ll be easier to get to know the other members of the group, but you won’t have the diversity and choice you would with an all-gay cruise.

Expect a meet and greet (called a Friends of Dorothy meeting on mainstream cruises), other get-to-one-another activities, parties, theme dinners, bar gatherings and such. You can’t be as openly gay as you would be able to on an all-gay ship, so sunbathing with your partner or public displays of affection might not be all that well-received.

The good thing about gay group cruises is that there are far more options than with gay cruises. They have different ports of call, destinations, timings and are far more numerous in availability. As a result, pricing may also be more competitive than it would be with an all-gay cruise. However, you need to look into whether those destinations and ports of call are of your interest, and if you’re into public affection, if those cities are accepting of that. Kingston, Jamaica, for example, doesn’t receive that sort of thing too well, but Vancouver, British Columbia is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world.

If you’re a quiet, introverted person, a gay group cruise might suit you more than an all-gay cruise.  No crazy butt-slapping or an overdose of banana hammocks, but still presenting the opportunity to meet other gays, it might actually be a more legitimate way to meet people.  It’ll allow you to mix with straight couples and others, but how that goes will probably be no different from being back home – some people are open to it, and some aren’t.

Gay group cruises are like a half-step into all-gay cruises. You get to sample a lot of the benefits, but aren’t forced into that atmosphere. On the other hand, all-gay cruises go to destinations that they’ve found to be gay-friendly, and there’s no chance of weird looks from other passengers. The choice is tough, but it can’t hurt to do both – starting with a gay group cruise.  As always, the best option is to thoroughly investigate your options, give it a lot of thought, then make your decision and be happy with it!

Discuss in our forums

Stupid as it might sound, this is a valid question. There are other vacations to take – you could hit New York City and live it up for a few days, fly to Hawaii for a week, get married in Toronto, check out gay bars in Singapore or get it on with a gay friend from across the pond. So why a cruise then?

Number 10 – For The Gay Atmosphere

A gay cruise is full of fun (gay) activities, and there’s always something to do. However, there’s an intrinsic value associated with gay cruises, and it can be attributed to an unspoken understanding and care shared by all the people on the boat. We all understand where we’re coming from, the issues we’ve had to face and the day-to-day struggles we see. With that kind of bond already formed, you know good times are ahead!

Number 9 – To Feel The Acceptance of Straight People

Straight people never have to wonder if people are accepting of their relationship. They can just march right onto any cruise ship, make out, feel each other up, and all people will do is say “get a room!” Have you ever felt what it’d be like to not think what others are thinking? If they’re judging? A gay cruise is full of people like you, and a no-discrimination philosophy abounds. You can relax, lay back, and pretend the whole world’s gay, because, as far as you can see, it is!

Number 8 – To Show Off Your Summer Collection and Get a Tan

We’re gay, and we love to look our best! This is a great way to show off the body you’ve been working hard to get, along with great summer clothes, flip-flops, or however far you wanna take it (just a banana hammock). Plus, you get to work on your tan (or blacken your blackness, if you’re black) and look all exotic when you come back to the real world.

Number 7 – To Eat Nice Food and Not Cook

Why cook when you don’t have to? Sure, you could apply this philosophy at home, but then you’d be limited to MSG-laden takeout or cardboard microwavable “dinners.” No, a better idea is to just get on a boat, and have a team of chefs prepare gourmet food for you, and deliver that food to you anywhere on the boat. Yes, that is a better idea.

Number 6 – To Get Drunk and Do Stupid Things

Worried about that deadline? Recession eating into your profits? Clients not liking your designs? Just say, “I dunno. I was drunk, and I don’t remember a thing!” You can’t say that in your normal life, but you can on a boat!

Number 5 – For All The Fun and Funky Activities

Gay cruises are the most fun cruises in the world, seriously! They get awesome cruise boats that have all the cool stuff (shops, casinos, live theater, live entertainment, swimming pools, hot tubs, water slides etc.), but they have a ton of superb gay activities too!

Number 4 – To See an Exotic Part of the World

Tired of the flat North American landscape? Want to pretend you’re in Lost? Or maybe, you just wonder how the rest of the world lives? Cruising to a hot, spicy exotic destination is just the ticket. You’ll get to see a unique local culture, sample deliciously different cuisine, and surround yourself in an environment that is very different from your own. This is really great fun!

Number 3 – To Meet Gays, er… Guys

Yes, the fact is, a gay cruise is a great place to meet guys if you’re single. It’s also a great place to meet other gay couples. You’ll make temporary boyfriends, friends, and maybe even something better!

Number 2 – To Get It On

We’ve established that a gay cruise is a great place to meet guys. Duh. Thousands of gay guys, you. Rocket science, I know. But think about this… if you want to get it on, where better? Other people want to get it on. You want to get it on. You’re isolated on a boat, with nowhere to go.

Number 1 – To Get On a Boat With Other Guys, Get Away, and See What Happens

Really, the best reason to go on a gay cruise, is to just get away, and let nature or destiny (whatever you want to believe in) take its course. Once in a while, we all need to just let go completely, let our guard down (us gays more than anyone), and see where life takes us.

Don’t agree?  Discuss in our forums